As the adjourning chart will indicate, the “Debt-to-Population-Ratio” among the top 36 Los Angles County Cities with Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) can provide a unique glimpse of the social dynamics at play in determining the economic trends in Los Angeles County.

The $14-plus billion indebtedness generated among L.A. County’s 9,802,800 population averages out to an indebtedness ratio of $1,481 per person.

Led by Palmdale and Lancaster with a whopping indebtedness to people ratio of $14,700 and $13,860 respectively, fifteen cities have topped the County’s debt-to-population ratio average. Inglewood, however, falls far below the county’s average with a paltry indebtedness-ratio of $750 per person—ranking 28th among the top 36 cities.

By way of comparison, the chart shows that Compton, ranked 26th with its $858 per person average, tops Inglewood. Closer to home, Hawthorne, ranked 12th, with an average indebtedness of $2,114 per person, also tops Inglewood.

It should be noted that CRA indebtedness, if wisely accrued, can represent a city’s commitment to future growth. This is particularly important to cities which have historically encountered difficulty in attracting private investments. Blue chip companies are drawn to those cities which have developed facilities that provide 21st Century amenities. Further, these companies will also be drawn to those cities which have the best infrastructure support and cultural opportunities.